Events

Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Scott at scotmckie@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com

 

Benefits/Fundraisers

Turkey Shoots at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove) in Cherokee, N.C. Good fun, great prizes, great benefits.

 

EBCI Community Events

2nd Annual Shrednanigans. Sept. 12-13 at Mountainside Theatre at 288 Drama Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Raffles, games, prizes, DJ, Nanigans Relay, Fire Mountain Spoker Game, Hike, Bike, Run, Block Party, and more. This event is sponsored by 7 Moons MTB.

Larch and Dixie Taylor Family Reunion. Sept. 14 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wolftown Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Bring your favorite dish to share and your favorite pictures of loved ones that have passed on.

Crafting Your Path: Building a Business that Works for You seminar. Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. The Museum is partnering with Mountain Bizworks on this two-day workshop to help members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians start or pivot their creative business. This seminar is free with lunch provided. Space is limited. Registration is required: bit.ly/4lV2VH4

MANNA FoodBank Community Market. Sept. 18 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. (or until food is gone) at the Wolftown Gym at 27 Long Branch Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. This event is free and open to all community members. Stop by for free grocery staples, produces, and other perishables from MANNA FoodBank. Info: (828) 359-6934 or megastam@ebci-nsn.gov

From Darkness Into Hope Annual Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Event. Sept. 18 at the Oconaluftee Island Park. Info: (828) 359-6180.

Voices of Strength: Monthly Mental Wellness Workshop. Sept. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cherokee Youth Center at 1570 Acquoni Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Open to the community and all ages are welcome. Engaging workshop to build self-awareness, strengthen emotional resilience, and learn tools to support your mental well-being.

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Wear Orange Shirt Day Walk. Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Cherokee Welcome Center parking lot at 498 Tsali Blvd. in Cherokee, N.C.

113th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair NAIWA Indian Dinner. Oct. 7 at 5 pm. Until gone, Oct. 10 from 5 p.m. until gone, Oct. 11 from 4 p.m. until gone at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Strawberry shortcake will also be available. Info: Lucille Wolfe (828) 736-5285

9th Annual Cherokee Skate Competition. Oct. 8 at the Cherokee Action Sports Park in Cherokee, N.C. Skate Jams: Beginner at 10 a.m., Intermediate at 11:30 a.m., Advanced/Open at 1 p.m., Best Trick at 2 p.m., Awards at 3:30 p.m. Entry is free for all.

Cherokee Youth Center’s Halloween Carnival. Oct. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cherokee Youth Center in Cherokee, N.C. This fun evening is open to the public. Games, bouncy houses, and a haunted house. If you’re interested in being a food vendor this event, please call (828) 359-8113.

 

Cherokee Cultural/Historic Events

Beginner Fingerweaving Class. Mondays at 3:30 p.m. from Sept. 8-29 at the Qualla Boundary Public Library. Learn basic fingerweaving skills or add to your skills. Limited to 12 participants – first come, first served. Contact Amy Postoak to register at amypost@ebci-nsn.gov. Info: (828) 359-6738

Kuwohi Celebration. Sept. 16 at 7 a.m. at Kuwohi in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This event will mark the one-year anniversary of the USGBN officially approving Kuwohi as the rightful name of the tallest peak in the Park. To attend the celebration, you will need a parking pass. Email: arneachdawn@gmail.com to get a pass.

Junaluska Wreath-Laying Ceremony. Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. at the Junaluska Memorial Site at 1 Junaluska Dr. in Robbinsville, N.C. Join in celebrating the life of Junaluska. Info: Angelina Jumper at angejump@ebci-nsn.gov or Kayleen Rockwood at kaylrock@ebci-nsn.gov

Cherokee Storytellers meet the fourth Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ray Kinsland Leadership building in Cherokee, N.C.   All ages are welcome. The group shares stories and resources.

Cherokee storytelling and Cherokee history in the Snowbird Community Library at 60 Snowbird School Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C., every fourth Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  All ages are welcome.

Quallatown Makers. Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio in Cherokee, N.C. Quallatown Makers is a free opportunity to gather as a group and be together while working on art. The goal of this group, organized and hosted by Museum of the Cherokee People, is to perpetuate Cherokee art and knowledge-sharing. Bring your own craft; all artforms are welcome. Coffee will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks.

Fingerweaving Fridays. Fridays through Sept. 26 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m in the Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio in Cherokee, N.C. Join Lead Atsila Anotasgi Cultural Specialist Nola (EBCI) in a crafting circle. Bring a project you’re working on or begin a new weaving using materials brought from home or sourced from the Museum’s selection. Beginners and experienced weavers welcome; instruction available. This opportunity is free of charge and registration is not required.

 

EBCI Community Regular Meetings

NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.

NAIWA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for Aug. 10 and Sept. 14.

 

Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Meetings

(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)

Roads Commission. Sept. 15 at 9 a.m.

Timber Committee. Sept. 15 at 10:30 a.m.

Planning Board. Sept. 15 at 1 p.m.

THIP Community Meeting. Sept. 16 at 9 a.m.

Health Board. Sept. 17 at 8:30 a.m.

Qualla Housing Committee. Sept. 18 at 8:30 a.m.

Enrollment Committee. Sept. 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Minors Investment Fund meeting. Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.

Clean-up session of Dinilawigi. Sept. 30 at 8:30 a.m.

 

Pow Wow Listings 

Sycuan Pow Wow. Sept. 12-14 in El Cajon, Calif. MC: Ruben Little Head. Host Drums: Black Lodge, Motown. Info: Julia LaBrake (619) 672-4840, sycuanpowwow@yahoo.com

Trail of Tears Pow Wow. Sept. 12-14 at Western Cherokee Event Center of Black Sea Shines in Kimberling City, Mo. MC: Shannon Leroy. Host Drum: Drowning Creek. Info: Murl and Marjorie Pierson (417) 924-2040, ozarksplateauindians@gmail.com

Mendota Mdewakanton 28th Traditional Wacipi. Sept. 12-14 at St. Peters Church Grounds in Mendota, Minn. Info: mendotadakota@gmail.com

20th Annual Totah Drums of Fall. Sept. 13 at McGee Park in Farmington, N.M. MC: Erny Zah. Host Northern Drum: Mile Post 30. Host Southern Drum: Smoke Stack. Info: Kristine Werito (505) 564-4804, ariana_goldtooth@pmsnm.org

Wichita Kansas Intertribal Warrior Society Annual Dance. Sept. 13 at The Cowtown Museum in Wichita, Kan. Info: Victor Follis at wichitakswarriorsociety@gmail.com

San Manuel Pow Wow. Sept. 19-21 at CSU San Bernardino in San Bernardino, Calif. Info: powwow@sanmanuel.com

53rd Annaul Mahkato Annual Traditional Pow Wow. Sept. 19-21 at Land of Memories Park in Mankato, Minn. Emcees: Jerry Dearly, Galen Drapeau Jr., Bill Taylor. Host Drum: Mazakute. Info: Megan Heutmaker (507) 387-3572, info@mahkatowacipi.org

Prescott Pow Wow. Sept. 19-21 at Watson Lake Park in Prescott, Ariz. MC: Gabriel Ayala. Host Northern Drum: Maswadee. Host Southern Drum: Chris Dinehdeal. Info: Alberta Cook (623) 455-0485, albertajcook@yahoo.com

Gathering of the Waters Pow Wow. Sept. 20 at Valley Sports Academy in Lake Hallie, Wisc. MC: Dylan Jennings. Host Drum: Mission Hill. Info: Sami Taylor at taylor.sami@mayo.edu

Honolulu Intertribal Pow Wow. Sept. 21 at Kapi’olani Park in Honolulu, Hawai’i. Info: Loa Simoes at hipowwow808@gmail.com

34th Annual Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow. Sept. 26-28 in Cabazon, Calif. Info: mlorenzo@morongo-nsn.gov

Last Chance Community Pow Wow. Sept. 26-28 at Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall in Helena, Mont. MC: Vincent Short. Host Drum: Niskuni Style. Info: lccpw@hotmail.com

Medicine Lodge Pow Wow. Sept. 26-28 at Memorial Peace Park Pow Wow Grounds in Medicine Lodge, Kan. Emcees: Cy Ahtone and Marshall Williamson. Head Southern Singer: Keith Satepeahtaw. Info: David Colburn (620) 886-1759, mllooper@hotmail.com

2nd Annual Dance by the River Pow Wow. Sept. 27-28 at Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing, Mich. MC: Shannon Martin. Host Drum: Ribbontown. Co-Host Drum: Fire Creek. Info: Aja Washington (517) 977-8137, Anishinaabe.friendship.center@gmail.com

42nd Annual WilCo Pow Wow. Sept. 27-28 at James E. Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon, Tenn. MC: Rob Daugherty. Host Drum: Medicine Tail. Info: Cindy Yahola (615) 512-0952, WilCoPowWow@gmail.com

Painted Skies Pow Wow. Sept. 27 at USS Bullhead Park in Albuquerque, N.M. MC: Steven Toya Sr. Host Northern Drum: Powerhouse. Host Southern Drum: Shield Chief. Info: Adrian Tsosie (505) 967-5649, paintedskiespowwow@gmail.com

Sobriety Pow Wow. Sept. 27 at Pearl River Softball Field in Choctaw, Miss. MC: Cubert Bell. Info: Clarissa Stewart (601) 389-4150, cdstewart@choctaw.org

 

 

 

Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410

Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788

Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C.  For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.

MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi

Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org

 

Western N.C. and Beyond Events 

26th Annual Sorghum Festival. Sept. 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in at 2620 South Roan Street in Johnson City, Tenn. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe sorghum being processed into molasses using a mule-powered mill as well as tour the historic structures of the property. Local homemade crafts, classic and antique cars, and more. Admission with breakfast is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12+under, and kids under 3 are free. Without breakfast, admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. Info: 423)926-3631

20th Annual WNC Run/Walk for Autism. Sept. 20 at the Bill Moore Community Park at 85 Howard Gap Rd. in Fletcher, N.C. The event begins at 8 a.m., race begins at 9 p.m. This event is being hosted by the Autism Society of North Carolina. Early bird registration until Sept. 3 is $30; regular registration until Sept. 17 is $40. Info: www.autismsociety-nc.org

Mountain Life Festival. Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mountain Farm Museum located just behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the many families who once lived on the lands that later became the Park. Visitors can engage with living historians and cultural demonstrators to learn what daily life was like in the mountains.  Highlights include traditional sorghum milling, hearth cooking, apple butter making, apple cider pressing, broom making, hominy preparation, and demonstrations of Cherokee culture.

Free Legal Counseling for Small Business Owners. Oct. 17 at Southwestern Community College in Sylva, N.C. Experienced attorneys and UNC Law Clinic students will provide free one-on-one counseling on common small business issues including: entity formation, contract review, and lease questions. Register at: https://go.unc.edu/lawclinicWCU

Stecoah Valley Center Harvest Festival Quilt Show. Oct. 17-18 at the Stecoah Valley Center at 121 Schoolhouse Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C. All types of quilts and fiber arts are encouraged for display. To be eligible for the Viewers’ Choice Award of $100, the quilt has to have been made by the person(s) entering it, and the quilt cannot have already won this award. Quilts will be received and hung for display on Oct. 17, and the exhibit will be open for viewing and voting on Oct. 18. A copy of the exhibit rules and an entry form can be obtained by calling the Center at (828) 479-3364.

Buffalo Blessing. Oct. 18 at 8220 Hwy 60 in Georgetown, Tenn. Buffalo blessing by Sonny Ledford, intertribal dancing, Warriors of Anikituhwa performance, birds of prey, and more.

Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo. Nov. 15 to Feb. 17 at The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville, North Carolina. Days in the gardens and on the trails. Evenings in the garden at Winer lights Nov. 15 – Jan. 3 Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind. For more information please visit ncarboretum.org

Qualla Community Club Christmas Bazaar. Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 180 Shoal Creek Church Loop in Whittier, N.C. Crafts, textiles, woodworking, pottery, candles, glass, jewelry, décor, metal, etc. Spots are available for vendors. Message Qualla Community Club on Facebook for more information.